The use of insects in integrated weed management

Description

Seed predation by insects is a potentially promising approach to the regulation of weeds that could offset herbicide use as part of integrated weed management. Using the example of carabid beetles, as the most intensively studied grouping of insect weed seed predators, this chapter describes the current state of knowledge in this subject area and highlights future research trends. The chapter examines the interaction between weeds and predator communities and assesses how fields and landscapes can be managed to enhance weed seed predation. The chapter looks at the level of weed regulation that can realistically be expected from this approach, and provides a detailed case study from the United Kingdom.

Table of contents

1 Introduction 2 Deciphering complex interactions with generalist predator communities 3 Managing fields and landscapes to enhance weed seed predation 4 Extent of regulation 5 Case study: the UK national survey farm-scale evaluation 6 Conclusion 7 Future trends 8 Acknowledgements 9 Where to look for further information 10 References